FORT WORTH, Texas — One child died and three others were critically injured after a devastating house fire on Fort Worth's south side early Thursday morning. A Good Samaritan is being credited with rescuing two children before firefighters arrived.
According to the Fort Worth Fire Department, crews were dispatched just after 3 a.m. on June 25 to the 4200 block of McCart Avenue after multiple callers reported a house fire with people trapped inside.
Firefighters arrived in less than four minutes to find heavy flames coming from the front and side of the home. Crews immediately entered rescue mode while simultaneously attacking the fire.
Before firefighters arrived, a Good Samaritan noticed smoke coming from the home and rushed to help. Fire officials said the man broke the glass out of a back door and kicked through another entrance to gain access to the house. He was able to pull two school-aged girls from the burning home and carry them to safety before emergency crews arrived.
Firefighters immediately began lifesaving measures on the girls. Both were later flown by CareFlite to area burn units in critical condition.
The Good Samaritan suffered multiple cuts and burns during the rescue. Fire officials praised his actions, saying his willingness to risk his own life gave the two girls a chance to survive.
Firefighters rescued two additional children from inside the home. One child was transported by ambulance to a local hospital in critical condition. Another child was pronounced dead at the scene despite lifesaving efforts.
Officials said seven people lived in the home, including two adults and five children. One child escaped without injury, while the two adults were treated at the scene.
The fire caused heavy damage to the residence. The American Red Cross responded to provide emergency financial assistance to the displaced family.
Fort Worth fire investigators remained at the scene throughout the morning and continue to investigate the cause of the fire.
Although no firefighters were physically injured, the department said chaplains and peer support personnel are available to assist crews following the tragic incident.
Fire officials urged residents to check that working smoke alarms are installed in their homes, noting they are keeping the affected family and injured children in their thoughts as the investigation continues.
